Morro Bay High School Pool & Student Services Bldg/Master Plan Modernization Project

City of Morro Bay

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

955 SHASTA AVENUE  MORRO BAY, CA 93442 805-772-6261

DRAFT MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION

CEQA: CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT CITY OF MORRO BAY 955 Shasta Avenue Morro Bay, California 93442 805-772-6261

February 2016

The State of California and the City of Morro Bay require, prior to the approval of any project, which is not exempt under CEQA that a determination be made whether or not that project may have any significant effects on the environment. In the case of the project described below, the City has determined that the proposal qualifies for a Mitigated Negative Declaration.

CASE NO.: CP0-425 and UP0-487

PROJECT TITLE: Morro Bay High School Pool & Student Services Building/ Master Plan Modernization Project

APPLICANT / PROJECT SPONSOR:

Applicant / Owner: Agent:

San Luis Coastal Unified School District Firma Consultants 1500 Lizzie Street 187 Tank Farm Rd., Ste. 230 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

CITY OF MORRO BAY Page 1 Morro Bay High School / 235 Atascadero Road CASE NO. CP0-425 and UP0- 487 DATE: February 2016

improvements as well as renovation of campus landscape/quad areas. The Master Plan modernization component of the project includes long term proposals to include remodeling of building interiors, minor exterior refurbishment, adding skylights for natural lighting, and upgrades to paths, running track/bleachers, ASB stage in center outdoor plaza/quad area and improvement to parking areas.

PROJECT LOCATION: The project site is located at 235 Atascadero Road, west of the intersection of Highway 41 and Highway 1, within the City of Morro Bay. The site is within the SCH zoning district, and designated by the General Plan and Coastal Land Use Plan (CLUP) as school. The project is located in the Coastal Commission’s Appeals Jurisdiction, and within the City’s permitting jurisdiction for Coastal Development Permits.

FINDINGS OF THE: Environmental Coordinator It has been found that the project described above will not have a significant effect on the environment. The Initial Study includes the reasons in support of this finding. Mitigation measures are required to assure that there will not be a significant effect in the environment; these are described in the attached Initial Study and Checklist and have been added to the permit conditions of approval.

CITY OF MORRO BAY Page 2

City of Morro Bay COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT 955 SHASTA AVENUE  MORRO BAY, CA 93442 805-772-6261

INITIAL STUDY AND CHECKLIST

I. PROJECT INFORMATION

Project Title: Morro Bay High School Pool & Student Services Building/ Master Plan Modernization Project______

Project Location: 235 Atascadero (APN 065 – 182 – 001)______

Case Number: Coastal Development Permit #CP0-425 and Conditional Use Permit #UP0-487

Lead Agency: City of Morro Bay Phone: (805) 772-6577 955 Shasta Ave. Fax: (805) 772-6268 Morro Bay, CA 93442 Contact: Cindy Jacinth, Assoc. Planner

Project Applicant: San Luis Coastal Unified School District Phone: (805) 549-1200 1500 Lizzie St Fax: San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Project Landowner: San Luis Coastal Unified School District Phone: (805) 549-1200 1500 Lizzie Street Fax: San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

General Plan Designation: School

Zoning Designation: SCH, (School Zoning District )

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The proposed project includes new construction of a Pool Facility and Student Services Building along with a Master Plan for an overall modernization of various facilities at Morro Bay High School on the existing 55 acre campus located at 235 Atascadero Road. Specifically, the new pool would be 25 yards x 35 meters in size along with associated support buildings surrounding the pool which total 4,215sf and to include 22,600sf of concrete flatwork. The single-story 25 foot tall Student Services Building with clear story lighting on the second level is proposed at approximately 8500sf both with associated new flatwork, landscaping. In addition, the project includes removal of approximately 33 diseased trees which consist of major vegetation, improvement to interior campus circulation and parking improvements as well as renovation of campus landscape/quad areas. The Master Plan modernization component of the project includes long term proposals to include remodeling of building interiors, minor exterior refurbishment, adding skylights for natural lighting, and upgrades to paths, running track/bleachers, ASB stage in center outdoor plaza/quad area and improvement to parking areas.

PROJECT LOCATION: The project site is located at 235 Atascadero, west of the intersection of Highway 1 and Highway 41, within the City of Morro Bay. The site is zoned SCH (School zoning). The project is not

located in the Coastal Commission’s Jurisdiction or Appeals Jurisdiction, therefore the project is in the City’s permitting jurisdiction for Coastal Development Permits.

Surrounding Land Use North: Cloisters single-family residential East: Highway 1; mixed commercial-residential neighborhood uses across Highway 1; (MMR/CRR/GC/PD) Mixed Commercial-Residential/Multiple Residential Hotel Professional/Planned Development/North Main Street Specific Plan ( MCR/R-4/PD/SP) South: Hotel/motels and RV parks; West: Vacant beach area; coastal dune scrub habitat Visitor Serving Commercial (OA-1/PD) (C-VS) Project Entitlements Requested: Coastal Development Permit (CDP) and Conditional Use Permit (CUP) approvals are required for Morro Bay High School modernization project.

Other public agencies whose approval is required (e.g., permits, financing approval, or participation agreement): The City of Morro Bay is the lead agency for the proposed project. Responsible and trustee agencies may include, but are not limited to:  San Luis Obispo Air Pollution Control District (SLOAPCD)

 California Coastal Commission (CCC)

 California Department of Education

Site

Figure 1: VICINITY MAP Morro Bay High School, 235 Atascadero Road, Morro Bay, CA Proposed Modernization Project with New Pool & Student Services Building

Site

Figure 2: OVERALL CAMPUS SITE PLAN Morro Bay High School, 235 Atascadero Road, Morro Bay, CA Proposed Modernization Project with New Pool & Student Services Building

Figure 3: SITE PLAN LOCATION CLOSE-UP Morro Bay High School, 235 Atascadero Road, Morro Bay, CA Proposed Modernization Project with New Pool & Student Services Building

Proposed Pool Location

Proposed New Student Services Building Location

Figure 4: POOL SITE PLAN Morro Bay High School, 235 Atascadero Road, Morro Bay, CA Proposed Modernization Project with New Pool & Student Services Building

Figure 5: Pool Accessory Building Elevations

Figure 5: Student Services Building Floor Plan Morro Bay High School, 235 Atascadero Road, Morro Bay, CA Proposed Modernization Project with New Pool & Student Services Building

Figure 6: Student Services Building Elevation Simulation Morro Bay High School, 235 Atascadero Road, Morro Bay, CA Proposed Modernization Project with New Pool & Student Services Building

Figure 6: Student Services Building Simulation Morro Bay High School, 235 Atascadero Road, Morro Bay, CA Proposed Modernization Project with New Pool & Student Services Building

II. ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING AND IMPACTS

The environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this project, involving at least one impact that is a "Potentially Significant Impact" as indicated by the Environmental Checklist on the following pages.

X 1. Aesthetics 10. Land Use/Planning 2. Agricultural Ressources 11. Mineral Resources X 3. Air Quality X 12. Noise X 4. Biological Resources 13. Population/Housing X 5. Cultural Resources / Tribal Cultural Resources 14. Public Services 6. Geology/Soils 15. Recreation 7. Greenhouse Gas Emissions 16. Transportation/Circulation 8. Hazards/Hazardous Materials 17. Utility/Service Systems 9. Hydrology/Water Quality 18. Mandatory Findings of Significance

FISH AND GAME FEES

The Department of Fish and Wildlife has reviewed the CEQA document and written no effect

determination request and has determined that the project will not have a potential effect on fish, wildlife,

or habitat (see attached determination).

The project has potential to impact fish and wildlife resources and shall be subject to the payment of Fish X and Game fees pursuant to Section 711.4 of the California Fish and Game Code. This initial study has

been circulated to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for review and comment.

STATE CLEARINGHOUSE

This environmental document must be submitted to the State Clearinghouse for review by one or more State agencies (e.g. Cal Trans, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Department of Housing and X Community Development). The public review period shall not be less than 30 days (CEQA Guidelines 15073(a)).

III. DETERMINATION (To be completed by the Lead Agency):

On the basis of this initial evaluation:

I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment, and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.

X I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there will not be a significant effect in this case because revisions in the project have been made, by or agreed to by the project proponent. A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.

I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required.

I find that the proposed project MAY have a “potentially significant” impact(s) or “potentially significant unless mitigated” impact(s) on the environment, but at least one effect (1) has been adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and (2) has been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as described on attached sheets. An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required, but it must analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed.

I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, because all potentially significant effects (1) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION pursuant to applicable standards, and (2) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR of NEGATIVE DECLARATION, including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed upon the proposed project, nothing further is required.

Signature Date

Cindy Jacinth , Associate Planner For: Scot Graham Community Development Manager

X With Public Hearing Without Public Hearing

Previous Document: N/A

EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS:

1. A brief explanation is required for all answers except “No Impact” answers that are adequately supported by the information sources a lead agency cites in the parentheses following each question. A “No Impact” answer is adequately supported if the referenced information sources show that the impact simply does not apply to projects like the one involved (e.g. the project falls outside a fault rupture zone). A “No Impact” answer should be explained where it is based on project-specific factors as well as general standards (e.g. the project will not expose sensitive receptors to pollutants, based on a project-specific screening analysis).

2. All answers must take account of the whole action involved, including off-site as well as on-site, cumulative as well as project-level, indirect as well as direct, and construction as well as operational impacts.

3. Once the lead agency has determined that a particular physical impact may occur, then the checklist answers must indicate whether the impact is potentially significant, less than significant with mitigation, or less than significant. "Potentially Significant Impact' is appropriate if there is substantial evidence that an effect may be significant. If there are one or more "Potentially Significant Impact" entries when the determination is made, an EIR is required.

4. “Negative Declaration: Less Than Significant With Mitigation Incorporated” applies where the incorporation of mitigation measures has reduced an effect from "Potentially Significant Impact" to a "Less than Significant Impact." The lead agency must describe the mitigation measures, and briefly explain how they reduce the effect to a less than significant level (mitigation measures from Section 19, "Earlier Analysis," as described in (5) below, may be cross- referenced).

5. Earlier analysis may be used where, pursuant to the tiering, program EIR, or other CEQA process, an effect has been adequately analyzed in an earlier EIR or negative declaration (Section 15063 (c) (3) (D)). In this case, a brief discussion should identify the following: a) Earlier Analysis Used. Identify and state where they are available for review.

b) Impacts Adequately Addressed. Identify which effects from the above checklist were within the scope of and adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and state whether such effects were addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis.

c) Mitigation Measures. For effects that are “Less than Significant with Mitigation Measures Incorporated,” describe the mitigation measures which were incorporated or refined from the earlier document and the extent to which they addressed site-specific conditions for the project.

6. Lead agencies are encouraged to incorporate into the checklist references to information sources for potential impacts (e.g. general plans, zoning ordinances). Reference to a previously prepared or outside document should, where appropriate, include a reference to the page or pages where the statement is substantiated.

7. Supporting Information Sources: A source list should be attached, and other sources used or individuals contacted should be cited in the discussion.

8. The explanation of each issue should identify:

a) The significance criteria or threshold, if any, used to evaluate each question; and

b) The mitigation measure identified, if any, to reduce the impact to less than significance

Morro Bay High School / 235 Atascadero CASE NO. CP0-425 and UP0-487 DATE: February 2016

IV. ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST

Potentially Less Than Less Than No 1. AESTHETICS: Significant Significant with Significant Impact Impact Mitigation Impact Would the project: Incorporated a. Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? X b. Substantially damage scenic resources, including but not

limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic X

buildings within view of a state scenic highway? c. Substantially degrade the existing visual character or X quality of the site and its surroundings? d. Create a new source of substantial light or glare, which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the X area?

Environmental Setting: The General Plan and Local Coastal Plan contain policies that protect the City’s visual resources. To the east of the project site is Highway 1 which is identified as a “scenic highway”. This site is located at 235 Atascadero Road, approximately 500 feet west of the intersection of Highway 1 and Highway 41, which is considered a principal entryway to the City. The City’s entryways are important with regard to preserving and enhancing visual amenities. The campus is bordered on the north by the Cloisters Residential development with willow and coastal dune scrub vegetation; on the east by Highway 1; on the south by a trailer park, RV park, motels, and patches of ruderal and willow/ice plant vegetation. The campus is bordered on the west by a double row of planted Monterey cypress trees and coastal dune scrub habitat along Morro Strand State Beach that is a mapped ESHA (Environmentally Sensitive Habitat area) identified in the City’s Local Coastal Plan (LCP). The majority of the campus is ringed by rows of non-native Monterey cypress trees which serves to screen the large 55 acre campus. The immediate neighboring properties are developed with a mixture of commercial and visitor-serving uses with industrial development of the City’s wastewater treatment plant and Corporation yard to the south.

Impact Discussion: a., c. The proposed development would not block a publicly recognized scenic vista, nor are there scenic resources on the site itself that would be impacted by development. The scenic views in the vicinity include Morro Rock and the Pacific Coastline, both of which are west of the site. Visual simulations submitted illustrate the proposed location of the pool with its single-story accessory buildings (storage buildings, shower facilities, equipment room, ticket/snack kiosk), and the proposed Student Services Building (SSB) to be located on the south and south-east side of the campus respectively. Although a single-story building, the center portion of the Student Services Building is proposed at approximately 25 feet with clear story windows on a second level to provide natural light through the building corridor. The SSB will be screened from the street by existing vegetation and a distance of 414 feet to the east property line and 90 feet to the south property line. The pool facility will be screened by a masonry wall 10 feet tall and setback 202 feet from the south property line and 386 feet to the west property line.

The SSB visibility is depicted in the visual simulation as shown on plans. The simulation identifies segments of the structure that will be visible from the Highway 1 on-ramp. The structure is screened primarily by existing solar panels structures in the school’s eastern parking lot. As stated, the SSB building will be sited approximately 414 feet west of Highway 1 and 90 feet north of Atascadero Road. With the combination of the screening of existing vegetation and distance of these two new facilities, they would therefore not have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista. Future Master Plan projects consisting of improvements to paths, running track/bleachers, parking remodeling of building interiors and addition of square footage to the Performing Arts Center are to be planned over a ten year period and will not have substantial impacts to scenic vista or scenic resources because they are improvements of existing campus facilities primarily located in the center of the campus away from Highway 1 to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Review and approval of final architectural design, including

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appropriateness of features will be made by the Planning Commission. Future development projects will be required to obtain a Coastal Development Permit as required by the City’s Local Coastal Plan. b. Currently the site of the Morro Bay High School, the project site is comprised of various school buildings, parking lot, miscellaneous flatwork, fencing, and athletic fields. Located west of the intersection of Highway 1 and Highway 41, the campus is near a principal entryway to the City. The scenic view from Highway 1 to the ocean will not be substantially affected by the new construction of the pool and Student Services Building or proposed Master Plan projects. The proposed height of the new structures is under the maximum building height of 25 feet allowed for in this zoning district. Future Master Plan projects as they are proposed will be reviewed for compliance with City standards and requirements by the Planning Commission.

A landscape master plan submitted shows turf areas, renovated landscaped areas and conversion of existing paved surfaces to landscape or permeable surface. Approximately 25 percent reduction in existing turf is proposed with drought tolerant plantings installed for water use reduction. Thirty-three diseased mostly conifer, and acacia and juniper trees are proposed to be removed. The location of these trees are along the south side of the campus, primarily in the proposed pool location, the outdoor plaza/quad area and in the area north of the southwest solar panel parking lot. The landscaping plan shows a variety of proposed native plantings along the perimeter of the property, in the main circulation, and plaza/quad/gathering spaces as well as replanting of trees along the north fence line of the Pool Facility. d. The project consists of improvements to an existing school campus with existing light sources. There is currently existing outdoor lighting for campus uses, both day and evening. The proposed project would allow for high school and community use of the Pool Facility to extend beyond dusk and into nighttime hours, for practices and sports activities as well as community programming which is yet to be determined based on Recreation Department programming. New lighting is proposed in two areas. The new pool facility proposes an LED scoreboard and exterior overhead lighting which could produce a new source of lighting and glare during evening hours. The electrical plan shows LED sports lighting fixture within the Pool Facility at each end of the pool, facing north and facing south. A lighting plan submitted with the plan details the amount of light spillage around the perimeter of the pool facility. The lighting plans shows the foot-candle within 30 feet of the pool facility does not exceed 31 horizontal foot-candles. (A foot-candle is how bright the light is one foot away from the source). Project plans depict lighting schedule which shows wall mounted lighting and also four 50 foot tall mounted light poles proposed within the Pool Facility. The four 50 foot tall mounted light poles would be used only during water polo athletic events with two located at each short end of the pool. A photometric plan included with the project plans show the light spillage to reduce down to 6 at a distance of 30 feet from the pool with light spillage reduced to zero within 100 feet of the pool facility. The residential neighborhood to the north is 1,200 feet away, and therefore the lighting impact would be less than significant with no spillage off property.

The project also proposes new 20 foot tall outdoor skylights on campus in pedestrian walking areas for natural lighting as well as Master Plan future proposed new lighting at the athletic fields near bleachers. These are shown on plans as full-cut off lights. With the addition of a new Pool Facility, the proposed project would allow for high school and community pool events to extend beyond dusk and into nighttime hours, most notably in the winter months when the days are short. All proposed lighting is intended to adequately illuminate the pool and student services buildings and pathway and parking areas to assure safety for campus users. Implementation of the proposed lighting system would change daytime and nighttime views of the project site. As shown on the plans, the Pool Facility would have the majority of new lighting added which includes an LED scoreboard, overhead lighting necessary to illuminate the pool, however, with the size of the campus, and the pool located away from residential uses to the north, the amount of lighting would be reduced to a less than significant level at the school property lines.

The project will be required to conform to City standards for lighting installations and operational standards, which require downward shielded lighting and prohibit sky-reflected glare from buildings or portions thereof shall be so light from or being directed to, or allowed to spill off-site. However, both the pool facility lighting and the proposed skylights are located in the center of campus in an area that will not spill off-property due to the size of the 55 acre campus. Future Master Plan projects including existing building renovations, and pathway/parking improvements and upgrades will also be required to conform to City lighting standards that prohibit unshielded lighting or spillage

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off property. Future Master Plan projects will also be required to seek City planning approval as required by the City’s Local Coastal Program. Conformance with these standards will ensure that the proposed project will not create a new source of substantial light or glare or affect nighttime views in the area and shielded from State Highway 1.

Mitigation and Monitoring:

AES Impact 1 Development of the project, including proposed new lighting at the Pool Facility and Master Plan projects to include new lighting at athletic fields could exceed City of Morro Bay’s performance standards and produce adverse glare and light to surrounding uses.

AES Impact 1 Visibility of night lighting and daytime glare would adversely affect views resulting in a direct long-term impact.

AES/mm-1 Prior to start of construction, a comprehensive lighting plan shall be submitted for review and approval by the City. The lighting plan shall be prepared using guidance and best practices endorsed by the International Dark Sky Association. The lighting plan shall address all aspects of the lighting, including but not limited to all buildings, infrastructure, parking and driveways, paths, recreation areas, safety, and signage. The lighting plan shall include the following at minimum:

a) The point source of all exterior lighting shall be shielded from offsite views.

b) Light trespass from exterior lights shall be minimized by directing light downward and utilizing cut-off fixtures or shields.

c) Lumination from exterior lights shall be the lowest level allowed by public safety standards.

d) Exterior lighting shall be designed to not focus illumination onto exterior walls.

e) Any signage visible from offsite shall not be internally laminated..

Monitoring: The City of Morro Bay Community Development Department would verify implementation of these design details through review and approval of the lighting plan prior to start of construction for the project.

Conclusion: With implementation of these measures, aesthetics impacts would be less than significant.

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Potentially Less Than Less Than No 2. AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES: Significant Significant with Significant Impact Impact Mitigation Impact Incorporated In determining whether impacts to agricultural resources are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to the California Agricultural Land Evaluation and Site Assessment Model (1997) prepared by the California Department of Conservation as an optional model to use in assessing impacts on agriculture and farmland. In determining whether impacts to forest resources, including timberland, are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to information compiled by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection regarding the state’s inventory of forest land, including the Forest and Range Assessment Project and the Forest Legacy Assessment project; and forest carbon measurement methodology provided in Forest Protocol adopted by the California Air Resources Board.

Would the project: a. Convert prime farmland, unique farmland, or farmland of statewide importance (Farmland), as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and X Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to non-agricultural use? b. Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a X Williamson Act contract? c. Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of, forest land (as defined in Public Resources Code section 12220(g)), timberland (as defined by Public Resources

Code section 4526), or timberland zoned Timberland X Production (as defined by Government Code section 51104(g))? d. Result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest X land to non-forest use? e. Involve other changes in the existing environment which, due to their location or nature, could result in X conversion of Farmland to non-agricultural use or conversion of forest land to non-forest use?

Environmental Setting: The project site is an existing public high school and designated as SCH (School) zoning. The property and surrounding areas are not zoned for agricultural uses, nor has the site historically been used for farming or designated as prime farmland. The site is identified as urban and built up development on the California Department of Conservation Map of Important Farmland Finder, 2014.

Impact Discussion: a-e) The site and surrounding land uses are not zoned for or suitable for agricultural uses. Also, the site does not contain agricultural soils of any importance nor is there surrounding agricultural farm land or forest land. Therefore the project will not impact farmland or forestland and have no impacts on agricultural resources.

Mitigation and Monitoring: Not Applicable.

Conclusion: No impacts related to Agricultural Resources have been identified.

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Potentially Less Than Less Than No 3. AIR QUALITY Significant Significant with Significant Impact Impact Mitigation Impact Where available, the significance criteria established by the applicable Incorporated air quality management or air pollution control district may be relied upon to make the following determinations.

Would the project: a. Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the X applicable air quality plan? b. Violate any air quality standard or contribute

substantially to an existing or projected air quality X

violation? c. Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is in non- attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient

air quality standard (including releasing emissions, X which exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors)? d. Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant

concentrations? X e. Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial X number of people?

Environmental Setting: The project area is located in the South Central Coast Air Basin (SCCAB). The SCCAB consists of San Luis Obispo County and a portion of Santa Barbara County north of the Santa Ynez Mountain ridgeline. Atmospheric pollutant concentrations in the SCCAB are generally moderate, due to persistent west-to- northwesterly winds that blow off the Pacific Ocean and enhance atmospheric mixing. Although meteorological conditions in the project area are usually conducive to pollutant dispersal, pollution can sometimes accumulate during the fall and summer months when the Eastern Pacific High can combine with high pressure over the continent to produce light winds and extended inversion conditions in the region. As a result, Morro Bay is considered a non-attainment area for particulate matter less than 10 microns in diameter (PM10) and ozone (O3). State law requires that emissions of non-attainment pollutants and their precursors be reduced by at least 5% per year until the standards are attained. The Clean Air Plan (CAP) for San Luis Obispo County was developed and adopted by the Air Pollution Control District (APCD) to meet that requirement. The CAP is a comprehensive planning document designed to reduce emissions from traditional industrial and commercial sources, as well as from motor vehicle use. According to the APCD “CEQA Air Quality Handbook” (2012), both construction activities and ongoing activities of land uses can generate air quality impacts. The APCD has established the threshold of significance as project construction activities lasting more than one quarter and land uses that generate 1.25 or more pounds per day (PPD) of diesel particulate matter, .25 PPD of reactive organic gases, oxides or nitrogen, sulfur dioxide, or fine particulate matter, or more than 550 PPD of carbon monoxide, as having the potential to affect air quality significantly.

The proposed project area is located in a candidate area for Naturally Occurring Asbestos (NOA), which has been identified as a toxic air contaminant by the California Air Resources Board (ARB). Serpentine is a very common rock and has been identified by the ARB as having the potential to contain naturally occurring asbestos. The proposed project would result in grading activities and therefore naturally occurring asbestos may be encountered. Under the ARB Asbestos Airborne Toxics Control Measure (ATCM) for Construction, Grading, Quarrying, and Surface Mining Operations, prior to any construction or grading activities at the site, the applicant must comply with all applicable requirements outlined in the Asbestos ATCM, which include preparation of an Asbestos Dust Mitigation Plan and/or an Asbestos Health and Safety Program.

Impact Discussion: Operational Screening Criteria for Project Impacts: a-c) The project includes a new Pool Facility and Student Services Building with master planning for an overall

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modernization of various facilities on the existing 55 acre campus located at 235 Atascadero Road. Specifically, the new Pool Facility and Student Services Building also includes renovation of campus landscape/quad areas providing upgrades to pedestrian path, addition of parking spaces with connections to new facilities. The project is consistent with the goals and policies of the City of Morro Bay General Plan and is consistent with the APCD’s CEQA Handbook and Clean Air Plan. Based on reference of Table 1-1 of the SLO County APCD CEQA Air Quality Handbook for use designated as high school, both thresholds of significance for the APCD Annual Bright Line threshold (MT CO2e) and reactive organic gases (ROG) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) would not be exceeded by the proposed project. The addition of a new Pool Facility and Student Services Building along with a Master Plan for future modernization of the school campus and buildings would be below operational thresholds of significance.

Temporary impacts from the project, including but not limited to grading and construction activities, vehicle emissions from heavy duty equipment and naturally occurring asbestos, has the potential to create dust and emissions that exceed air quality standards for temporary and intermediate periods. The area of disturbance for the pool area and Student Services Building is approximately 3 acres of disturbance with the majority of disturbance in the area of the Student Services Building. Areas of cut are limited primarily to the south portions of the campus, where the Pool Facility will be constructed and east of that where the Student Services Building will be constructed. Truck and equipment traffic would utilize major roadways and the number of daily vehicle trips that would be generated during construction would not add substantially to local traffic volumes.

Construction and operational emissions that would result from the proposed project were calculated using CalEEMod, pursuant to the CEQA Handbook and found to be under the threshold which would trigger mitigation. The construction period of the pool and Student Services Building is anticipated to last a year, longer than the one quarter threshold, and would likely result in construction fugitive dust emissions that could be a nuisance to students while school is in session. Mitigation is recommended during construction activities to reduce this to a level less than significant as detailed in AQ/mm-1. No significant long-term fugitive dust emissions are expected to occur and no long term mitigation measures are recommended. d) Sensitive receptors typically include residential uses. The school itself is also a sensitive receptor, especially if construction activities occur during the school year or while students are in session. The types of construction projects that typically require a more comprehensive evaluation include large-scale, long-term projects within 1,000 feet of a sensitive receptor location. The construction of a new Pool Facility and Student Services Building and Master Plan long-range project to provide circulation upgrades, building interior and façade upgrades as well as running track improvements falls below the threshold required for mitigation because of the size of the 55 acre campus with the proposed work either in the central part of the campus or to the south is more than 1000 feet from sensitive receptors (such as the Cloisters residential neighborhood, and the residential neighborhood east of Highway 1) and is therefore considered less than significant. However, it is recommended that standard APCD mitigation be added to the project to minimize impact of diesel particulate matter (DPM) to sensitive receptors (AQ/mm-1). e) No objectionable odors would be produced from the project during or following construction. Standard construction practices required by the Municipal Code will be imposed upon the project and the project will be subject to comply with all permit requirements for demolition or grading including APCD notification requirements.

Conclusion: Potentially short-term significant impacts on air quality resources. The project is subject to standard construction practices, including dust control measures required by the Municipal Code and review by the APCD to address short-term air quality impacts related to construction. All permit conditions are required as notes on the plans.

Mitigation:

AQ Impact 1 Construction activities associated with development of the proposed project could generate dust that could be a nuisance to adjacent sensitive receptors.

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AQ/mm-1 Prior to issuance of grading and construction permits, the applicant shall include the following notes on applicable grading and construction plans, and shall comply with the following standard mitigation measures for reducing fugitive dust emissions such that they do not exceed the APCD’s 20 percent opacity limit (APCD Rule 401) and do not impact off-site areas prompting nuisance violations (APCD Rule 402) as follows:

a) Reduce the amount of disturbed area where possible;

b) Use of water trucks or sprinkler systems in sufficient quantities to prevent airborne dust from leaving the site. Increased watering frequency would be required whenever wind speeds exceed 15 mph. Reclaimed (non-potable) water should be used whenever possible;

c) All dirt stockpile areas should be sprayed daily as needed;

d) Permanent dust control measures identified in the approved project revegetation and landscape plans should be implemented as soon as possible, following completion of any soil disturbing activities;

e) Exposed ground areas that are planned to be reworked at dates greater than one month after initial grading should be sown with a fast germinating, non-invasive, grass seed and watered until vegetation is established;

f) All disturbed soil areas not subject to revegetation should be stabilized using approved chemical soil binders, jute netting, or other methods approved in advance by the APCD;

g) All roadways, driveways, sidewalks, etc. to be paved should be completed as soon as possible. In addition, building pads should be laid as soon as possible after grading unless seeding or soil binders are used.

h) Vehicle speed for all construction vehicles shall not exceed 15 mph on any unpaved surface at the construction site;

i) All trucks hauling dirt, sand, soil, or other loose materials are to be covered or should maintain at least two feet of freeboard (minimum vertical distance between top of load and top of trailer) in accordance with California Vehicle Code Section 23114;

j) Install wheel washers where vehicles enter and exit unpaved roads onto streets, or wash off trucks and equipment leaving the site;

k) Sweep streets at the end of each day if visible soil material is carried onto adjacent paved roads. Water sweepers with reclaimed water should be used where feasible;

l) All PM10 mitigation measures required shall be shown on grading and building plans; and

m) The contractor or builder shall designate a person or persons to monitor the fugitive dust emissions and enhance the implementation of the measures as necessary to minimize dust complaints, reduce visible emissions below 20 percent opacity, and to prevent transport of dust off-site. Their duties shall include holidays and weekend periods when work may not be in progress. The name and telephone number of such persons shall be provided to the APCD Compliance Division prior to the start of any grading, earthwork or demolition.

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AQ Impact 2 Construction activities associated with development of the proposed project could generate dust that could be a nuisance to adjacent sensitive receptors.

AQ/mm-2 Prior to start of construction, the applicant shall submit a geologic evaluation that determines if naturally occurring asbestos (NOA) is present within the area that will be disturbed. If NOA is not present, an exemption request shall be filed with the District. If NOA is found at the site, the applicant shall comply with all requirements outlined in the Asbestos ATCM. This may include development of an Asbestos Dust Mitigation Plan and an Asbestos Health and Safety Program for approval by the APCD.

With implementation of these measures, air quality impacts would be less than significant.

Monitoring:

Copies of regulatory forms will be submitted to the APCD for review and approval, consistent with existing regulations. The applicant is required to submit approval documentation from APCD to the City Environmental Coordinator/Community Development Department. Monitoring or inspection shall occur as necessary to ensure all construction activities are conducted in compliance with the above measures. Measures also require that a person be appointed to monitor the fugitive dust emissions and enhance the implementation of the measures as necessary to minimize dust complaints, reduce visible emissions below 20 percent opacity, and to prevent transport of dust off- site. All potential violations, remediation actions, and correspondence with APCD will be documented and on file with the City Community Development Department /Environmental Coordinator.

Potentially Less Than Less Than No 4. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES Significant Significant with Significant Impact Impact Mitigation Impact Would the project: Incorporated a. Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or X through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? b. Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat X or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, and regulations or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife service? c. Have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected X wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means? d. Interfere substantially with the movement of any native X resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites?

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e. Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting X biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance? f. Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat X Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional or state habitat conservation plan?

Environmental Setting: The applicant provide a Biological Resources Assessment (Sage Institutes, June 1, 2015) that reviewed background information, conducted multiple fields surveys of the project site and conducted a suitability assessment for Morro shoulderband snail and delineated ESHA (environmentally sensitive habitat area) boundary where the west side of the campus site abuts coastal dune scrub habitat as identified on the City’s Land Use Map and noted in both the General Plan and Local Coastal Plan (LCP). The results of the assessments are provided below. The campus is bordered on the north by the Cloisters Residential development with willow and coastal dune scrub vegetation; on the east by Highway 1; on the south by a trailer park, RV park, motels, and patches of ruderal and willow/ice plant vegetation. The campus is bordered on the west by a double row of planted Monterey cypress trees and coastal dune scrub habitat along Morro Strand State Beach.

The 2015 biological assessment documented existing conditions of the study area and evaluated the potential for any direct or indirect potentially significant impacts on biological resources or adverse effects on any rare, threatened, or endangered plant or wildlife species (special-status species).

Soils The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) identified three soil series on the campus that include Concepcion Loam, Dune Land, and Psamments and Fluvents. The report concluded that given the developed nature of the campus, there is no longer a natural soil profile within the study area. Visible areas observed during the biological resources assessment were mostly sandy soil.

Vegetation The campus is ringed with planted rows of Monterey cypress with myoporum, tea tree, and other non-native trees scattered throughout the campus.

Wildlife The report concluded that given that the site surrounded by urban development on three side, wildlife use ,is likely limited with generally low wildlife values attributed to this site. The coastal dune scrub habitat to the west may provide habitat for dune wildlife, but the fencing, row of cypress trees with established walking trail and no understory vegetation essentially provides a barrier/border to wildlife movement along the developed western campus edge.

Special-Status Species and Natural Communities of Special Concern Special-status species are those plants and animals listed, proposed for listing or candidates for listing as threatened or endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) or the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) under the federal Endangered Species Act (FESA).

Impact Discussion: a-c) The campus area which comprises the project is developed area and is classified as urban land. The Biological Resources Assessment dated June 1, 2015 classifies the study area as urban land. The study area supports a patchwork of landscaping and does not support any habitat meeting conventional habitat or plant community classification systems. Vegetation is composed of native and non-native plants in existing landscaped areas, and ruderal (disturbed) areas in and around the livestock area, developed buildings, and parking lots.

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A search and review in the Biological Assessment of the California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) revealed recorded occurrences for 40 special-status plant species, two species of lichen, 24 special-status wildlife species, and 6 natural communities of special concern within a five mile radius of the project site. However, while the CNDDB list is exhaustive, the field surveys of the developed campus resulted in no observations of any rare, threatened or endangered plant species within the study area. Further, the developed campus study area does not support any natural habitats and does not support any suitable habitat for special status plants. Table B-2 of the Biological Assessment provides further habitat suitability requirement detail support this conclusion. The project site is an existing disturbed high school campus site that does not contain any known habitat, special status species or wetlands; therefore, no impacts on biological resources would result. d.) The CNDDB search revealed the recorded occurrences of 23 special-status wildlife species within the Morro Bay North and Morro Bay South 7.5 minutes quadrangle search radius of the project site. As with the special-status plant species, the study area does not support any native habitat types suitable for any special special-status wildlife species. The Biological Resources Assessment included a protocol-level habitat assessment for Morro shoulderband snail. The CNDDB has a recorded occurrence polygon for MSS in the dune scrub habitat which borders the western edge of the study area. As noted in the assessment, the MSS species is typically associated with sandy soils that support coastal dune, coastal dune scrub, and maritime chaparral plant communities that are in backdune or stabilized dune systems. The assessment identifies key potential MSS habitat features within and adjacent to the survey area. The protocol-level survey and habitat assessment conducted within the project area found no live MSS or empty MSS shells. One empty Big Sur shoulderband snail shell was found on the southern property boundary, near the western entrance to the school property. Also, the habitat assessment found no native habitat elements suitable for MSS present within the project area. Several large areas of ice plant, turf grass, landscape beds, and beds of wood chip mulch occur in the project area but are isolated from adjacent habitat around the southwest campus area by parking lots, access roads, and buildings. Therefore, these areas were determined to be unsuitable for the MSS. In addition, the coastal dune scrub habitat present in the dunes to the west of the school where there is MSS occurrence is separated from school grounds by a double row of non-native planted Monterey cypress trees, along with a unvegetated walking path and parking area to the south that creates a barrier to any potential MSS movement onto the project areas. Based on the negative findings of the protocol MSS survey and habitat assessment that documented no MSS or MSS shells were observed, the lack of suitable MSS habitat on the site, the cypress tree barrier separation from suitable MSS habitat in the surrounding area, and ongoing campus activities for over 50 years, no impact on MSS or MSS habitat would result from project implementation. e. The project proposes to remove 33 mostly diseased conifer trees primarily located along the south side and south- central portion of the campus. Approximately 12 of the 33 trees removed are proposed to be in the area of pool construction; 13 in the general area of the existing center outdoor plaza/quad area used by students; and the remaining 9 trees would be in the general area of the new Student Service Building, and nearby outdoor plaza area to the east. None of the Monterey Cypress tress which screen the campus on the west side adjacent to the beach or on the east side which screen Highway One are proposed for removal. Under the City’s Major Vegetation Guidelines policy, tree removal requirements are replacement at a 2 to 1 ratio for 5 gallon or a 1 to 1 ratio if the new tree is a minimum of 15 gallon in size. The proposed project includes plans which denotes the required replacement of diseased conifers by coastal adapted broadleaf evergreen trees or pitch canker resistant conifers, with most new trees planted at the north end of the Pool Facility and near the Student Services Building as either 5 gallon or 24” box size. In addition, the City’s Major Vegetation Guidelines also prohibit tree removal during bird nesting season.

The Biological Resources Assessment recommends mitigation to reduce potentially significant impacts on biological resources in regards to vegetation removal and initial site disturbance if conducted during bird nesting season. Mitigation would require that vegetation removal and initial site disturbance only be conducted between September 1 and January 31 or if planned for the bird nesting season between February 1 to August 31, then preconstruction nesting bird surveys shall be conducted by a qualified biologist to determine if any active nests would be impacted by project construction, with avoidance of nest sites by establishment of a non-disturbance buffer zone around active nests as determined by a qualified biologist. With incorporation of Mitigation Measure BIO-1, implementation of the proposed project would not result in any substantial adverse effect or significant impact to biological, botanical, wetland or riparian habitat resources and therefore impacts would be reduced to a level less than significant.

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e-f) No policies or ordinances protecting biological resources; or adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan govern the project site

Mitigation and Monitoring:

BIO Impact 1 Development of the project, including tree removal and initial site disturbance, could potentially adversely affect nesting birds.

Mitigation Measure BIO- 1: To reduce any potentially significant impact on nesting birds from vegetation and tree removals, the following mitigation measures are recommended:

BIO/mm-1: Vegetation removal and initial site disturbance shall be conducted between September 1 and January 31 outside of the nesting season for birds. If vegetation and/or tree removal is planned for the bird nesting season (February 1 to August 31), then preconstruction nesting bird surveys shall be conducted by a qualified biologist to determine if any active nests would be impacted by project construction. If no active nests are found, then no further mitigation shall be required.

BIO/mm-2: If any active nests are found that would be impacted by construction, then the nest sites shall be avoided with the establishment of a non-disturbance buffer zone around active nests as determined by a qualified biologist. Nest sites shall be avoided and protected with the non- disturbance buffer zone until the adults and young of the year are no longer reliant on the nest site for survival as determined by a qualified biologist. As such, avoiding disturbance or take of an active nest would reduce potential impacts on nesting bird to a less than significant level.

Monitoring: Prior to start of construction, the qualified biologist conducting the survey for active bird nests shall provide the City of Morro Bay Community Development Department /Environmental Coordinator with a written copy of survey results.

Conclusion: With implementation of the above mitigation measures, impacts related to Biological Resources would be reduced to a level less than significant.

Potentially Less Than Less Than No 5. CULTURAL RESOURCES Significant Significant with Significant Impact Impact Mitigation Impact Would the project: Incorporated a. Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of

a historical resource as defined in CEQA Guidelines X

Section 15064.5? b. Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of

an archaeological resource pursuant to CEQA X Guidelines Section 15064.5? c. Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological X resource or site or unique geologic feature? d. Disturb any human remains, including those interred

outside of formal cemeteries? X

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Environmental Setting: The proposed project will affect several areas on the campus of Morro Bay High School, including current parking areas, landscaped areas, and building locations where ground disturbing activities will occur primarily for construction of the new Pool Facility and Student Services Building. The campus is located north of Atascadero Road, west of Highway 1, south of the Cloisters residential development, and east of the Pacific Ocean. The campus was originally constructed in 1958 and is currently developed with built-environment features (high school campus) and the native ground surface is mostly overlain by fill material. A Phase 1 Archaeological Inventory Survey was prepared by Cultural Resource Management Services (CRMS, April 2015) which discusses the archaeological significance and ethnographic history of Morro Bay with this area as Obispeno Chumash and Salinan territory. Previous archaeological study have placed the northern boundary of the Obispeno Chumash and the southern boundary of the Salinan territory just north and east of the town of Morro Bay (Kroeber, 1925), where other archaeological study place the boundary further north near the Monterey county line (Greenwood, 1978; Gibson, 1983; Rivers and Farris, 1994). A records search revealed three recorded archaeological sites, and 19 previous cultural resource surveys have been performed within this area. The CRMS Phase 1 Archaeological Survey provides recommendations which are discussed below.

Impact Discussion: a) The site does not contain any known historic resources as defined in the CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5. A field reconnaissance of the property conducted on March 26, 2015 by CRMS observed occasional small fragments of abalone and Pismo clam throughout the campus. None of them appeared to be prehistorically or historically significant (CRMS, 2015). b) The property is within the boundaries of two known archaeological sites (SLO-2142 and SLO-2143) and is west of the boundaries of a third site (SLO-165). The project has been previously surveyed multiple times during past High School improvement projects and ground disturbing activities. The CRMS survey found that these sites do contain confidential cultural deposits. A field reconnaissance of the property conducted on March 26, 2015 by CRMS found no evidence of significant historic or prehistoric archaeological resources within the project area. However, the nature of surface survey does not preclude the possible existence of remains, especially in a region that has been demonstrated to be archaeologically sensitive.

In addition new legislation, Assembly Bill 52, became effective July 1, 2015 which requires formal consultation with Native American tribes in order to protect tribal cultural resources. Consultation initiation letters were sent to seven local tribes with connection to Morro Bay. Two tribes responded in writing and requested that culturally affiliated Native American monitor be present during ground disturbing activities as well as CRMS as the archaeological monitor and Mitigation Measure CR-1 has been recommended to ensure that the appropriate monitors are present.

The results of numerous archaeological investigations and excavations in the immediate vicinity of the project area indicate there is a likelihood that significant cultural resources will be encountered during the course of construction of the Pool Facility and Student Services Building/ Master Plan projects. With implementation of Mitigation Measure CR-1, the impacts would be reduced to a level less than significant. c-d) The area of proposed ground disturbance does not contain any known unique paleontological resources or geologic features identified on city maintained maps, or known human remains. However, the site is within an archaeologically sensitive area and there is the potential that materials (including but not limited to unique paleontological or geologic resources or human burials) could be encountered given the known historic and archaeological history of the site. Please refer to above paragraph CR-b, for further discussion and recommended mitigation measure CR-1, which will ensure proper treatment of any cultural resources, should they be discovered during construction activities.

Mitigation and Monitoring:

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CR Impact 1 Ground disturbance associated with development of the project, including initial site disturbance, grading/excavation activities for the Pool Facility and Student Services Building / Master Plan project could potentially adversely affect cultural resources.

Mitigation Measure CR- 1: Both a culturally-affiliated Native American monitor and a qualified archaeologist as recommended by the Phase 1 Archaeological Survey (CRMS, 2015) shall be present during any ground disturbing activity within the proposed project area. The School District shall notify the City of Morro Bay Community Development Department upon start of construction.

CR/mm-1 Prior to start of construction, the applicant shall submit to the City of Morro Bay Community Development Department an Archaeological Monitoring Plan for review and approval. The plan shall include, at minimum:

a) Archaeological and Native American monitoring of all initial site disturbance and initial grading. Archaeological and culturally-affiliated Native American monitors shall be approved by the City.

b) A list of all personnel involved in the monitoring activities.

c) Clear identification of what portions of the project (e.g., phases, areas of the site, types of activities) would require monitoring.

d) Description of how the monitoring shall occur.

e) Description of monitoring frequency.

f) Description of resources expected to be encountered.

g) Description of circumstances that would result in work stoppage or diversion in the case of discovery at the project site.

h) Description of procedures for stopping or diverting work at the project site and notification procedures.

i) Description of monitoring reporting procedures.

CR/mm-2 In the event that intact and/or unique archaeological artifacts or historic or paleontological resources are encountered during grading, clearing, grubbing, and/or other construction activities associated with the proposed project involving ground disturbance, all work in the immediate vicinity of the find shall be stopped immediately, the onsite archaeological and Native American monitors shall be notified, and the resource shall be evaluated to ensure the discovery is adequately recorded, evaluated and, if significant, mitigated.

CR/mm-3 Upon completion of all monitoring and mitigation activities, and prior to final inspection or occupancy, whichever occurs first, the Applicant shall submit to the City of Morro Bay Community Development Department a report summarizing all monitoring and mitigation activities and confirming that all recommended mitigation measures have been met.

Monitoring: The City Community Development Department / Environmental Coordinator shall verify compliance with this measure.

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Conclusion: With implementation of the above mitigation measures, impacts related to Cultural Resources would be reduced to a level less than significant.

Potentially Less Than Less Than No 6. GEOLOGY /SOILS Significant Significant with Significant Impact Impact Impact Mitigation Would the project: Incorporated a. Expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or x death involving: i Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known x fault? (Refer to Division of Mines and Geology Publication 42) ii Strong Seismic ground shaking? x iii Seismic-related ground failure, including liquefaction? x iv Landslides? x b. Result in substantial erosion or the loss of topsoil? x c. Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in on or off-site x landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction or collapse? d. Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18- 1-B of the Uniform Building Code (1994), creating substantial risks to life or property? x e. Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use

of septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems where sewers are not available for the x disposal of wastewater?

Environmental Setting: The site is located within the Tidelands area of the Morro Bay Estuary, on the coastal edge of the Santa Lucia Range, within the Coast Range Geomorphic Province of California. The 55 acre site is currently occupied by the Morro Bay High School campus consisting of school buildings, parking, walking pathways, and athletic fields. The General Plan Safety Element depicts landslide prone areas, flood prone areas, areas of high liquefaction potential, and areas of potential ground shaking. There are no known active faults within the City limits.

Impact Discussion: a) The Southern Coast Ranges Province is one of the most complex geologic provinces in the state, characterized by a number of sub-parallel structural blocks bounded by several on- and off-shore faults. There are no official maps of Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zones in or near the City of Morro Bay, and the site is not within a State Earthquake Fault Zone. The closest active fault to the project site is the Los Osos Fault, approximately 3.5 miles to the south/southwest, which is not a fault with historic surface rupture. The closest mapped fault to the site (regardless of activity) is the Cambria Fault located approximately 2.5 miles from the project site.

The project site is located in a region of generally high seismicity, and has the potential to experience strong ground shaking from earthquakes on regional and/or local causative faults. Based on the location of known faults, the

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potential for surface fault rupture is low. There is a high potential for existing soil slumps to reactivate as a result of strong ground shaking from a seismic event.

Liquefaction occurs when saturated, cohesionless soils lose strength due to earthquake shaking. The presence of loose, poorly graded, fine sand material that is saturated by groundwater within an area known to be subjected to high intensity earth quakes and long-duration ground motion are the key factors that indicate potentially liquefiable areas and conditions that could lead to liquefaction.

The School District, will be subject to the standards of the State Division of the State Architect (DSA). The DSA provides design and construction oversight for K-12 school, community colleges, and various other state-owned and leased facilities. The division also develops accessibility, structural safety, and historical building codes and standards utilized in various public and private buildings through California. The DSA requires structures be built to withstand earth-shaking events or remain standing in the event of an earthquake. The site is located in an area that has the potential for ground shaking and a moderate to high liquefaction potential and the proposed new structures will be required by the State DSA to be in compliance with existing Building Code requirements. Therefore, potential impacts would be less than significant. b) The subject site is a previously developed existing 55 acre high school campus. The area of disturbance is proposed to be graded to drain to landscaped areas or to the High School’s existing storm drain system. According to the Preliminary Stormwater Control Plan prepared by Above Grade Engineering, (May 22, 2015), the project is subject to the requirements of the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB). The SWRCB regulates general, post-construction Stormwater requirements for K-12 School District construction projects and are addressed by a Statewide Construction General Permit (CGP), (SWRCB Order No. 2012-0006-DWQ / 2010-0014-DWQ/ 2009- 0009-DWQ). Therefore, the impact is less than significant. c-d) The project is located on an existing developed school campus. Construction will be required to comply with all City Codes as well as the Division of the State Architect (DSA), which require proper documentation of soil characteristics for designing structurally sound buildings to ensure new structures are built to resist such shaking or to remain standing in an earthquake. e) The proposed project is currently connected to the City’s sewer system. Septic tanks or alternative wastewater systems are not proposed and will not be used on the site.

Mitigation and Monitoring: Not applicable.

Potentially Less Than Less Than No Impact 7. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS Significant Significant with Significant Impact Mitigation Impact Would the project: Incorporated a. Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or

indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the x

environment? b. Conflict with an applicable plan, policy of regulation x adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of

greenhouse gases?

Impact Discussion: In January of 2014 the City of Morro Bay adopted Climate Action Plan, which provides a qualitative threshold consistent with AB 32 Scoping Plan measures and goals. As identified in the APCD’s CEQA Handbook (April 2012), if a project is consistent with an adopted Qualified GHG Reduction Strategy (i.e. a CAP) that addresses the project’s GHG emissions, it can be presumed that the project will not have significant GHG emission impacts and the project would be considered less than significant. This approach is consistent with CEQA Guidelines Sections 15064(h)11 and 15183.5(b). The City’s CAP was developed to be consistent with State CEQA Guidelines Section 15183.5 and APCD’s CEQA Handbook to mitigate emissions and climate change impacts, and serves as a Qualified GHG Reduction Strategy for the City of Morro Bay. Appendix C of the CAP contains a CAP

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Compliance Worksheet, which has been used to demonstrate project-level compliance. The project is in compliance with all mandatory measures including: provision of bicycle parking, pedestrian linkages and interconnectivity, construction techniques, and landscaping. The project is also required to comply with the California Green Building Standards code. a–b) In the short-term, the proposed project could result in minor increases in emission of greenhouse gases during the site construction process of the Pool Facility, Student Services Building and Master Plan projects. Such an increase would not individually contribute to global climate change nor cumulatively contribute to global emissions of GHGs. Standard City Construction Regulations will apply to this project, which include requirements that 1) a minimum six percent of construction vehicles and equipment be electrically-powered or use alternative fuels such as compressed natural gas, and 2) The contractor will limit idling of construction equipment to three minutes and post signs to that effect. Refer to Air Quality mitigation Measures AQ/mm-1 and AQ/mm-2.

Long-term impacts would be primarily associated with vehicle trips to and from the pool, especially non-student pool visitors. However, the proposed project is consistent with the land use diagram and policy provisions of the City’s General Plan, and will result in modernization of the high school overall. City policies recognize that compact, infill development allows for more efficient use of existing infrastructure and Citywide efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as the proposed project is not expanding the campus footprint but modernizing and adding a new Pool Facility and Student Services Building in existing used campus area. In addition, the campus previously had a pool facility for over 30 years but was demolished in the late 1990’s due to severe repair need. The City’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) also recognizes that energy efficient design will result in significant energy savings, which result in emissions reductions. In addition, the Division of the State Architect (DSA) is engaged with school districts and industry representatives in facilitating review and approval of energy efficient installations on school sites. Districts are encouraged to work with DSA on energy efficient solutions when modernizing existing facilities or constructing new facilities.

Conclusion: Impacts related to Greenhouse Gas Emissions would be less than significant.

Mitigation and Monitoring: Not applicable.

Potentially Less Than Less Than No 8. HAZARDS/HAZARDOUS MATERIALS Significant Significant with Significant Impact Impact Mitigation Impact Would the project: Incorporated a. Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use, or x disposal of hazardous materials? b. Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous x materials into the environment? c. Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within x one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school? d. Be located on a site which is included on a list of hazardous materials sites complied pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result, x would create a significant hazard to the public or the environment?

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e. For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the x project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area? f. For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project result in a safety hazard for people x residing or working in the project area? g. Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency x evacuation plan? h. Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving wild land fires, including where wild lands are adjacent to urbanized areas or x where residences are intermixed with wildlands?

Environmental Setting: Human-caused hazards often occur as a result of modern activities and technologies. These potential hazards can include the use of hazardous materials and buildings that may be unsafe during a strong earthquake. The proposed project includes construction of a Pool Facility with accessory buildings, a new Student Services Building, associated site improvements, and Master Plan for long-term campus modernization projects.

Impact Discussion: a-b) Development of the proposed project would not involve the routine transport, use, or disposal of significant quantities of hazardous materials, nor would there be a significant hazard through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions related to release of hazardous materials. The project would routinely handle and use small quantities of commercially-available hazardous materials, such as cleaning, and landscaping and pool supplies. However, these materials would not be expected to be used in sufficient quantities to pose a threat to human health or the environment. Development of the proposed project would have a less than significant impact on the public and the environment related to routine transport, use, handling, or accidental release of hazardous materials into the environment. c) No other schools are within 1,000 feet of Morro Bay High School. The closest school is Del Mar Elementary in north Morro Bay. The proposed modernization and new facilities at the existing high school are not considered a nuisance or have the potential to create significant impacts, as operations will not entail handling or emission of hazardous materials, substances or waste. d) Within 500 feet of the project site there are no known Leaking Underground Tank (LUST) Cleanup Sites, and therefore there is no known significant hazard in the immediate vicinity of the project site. e-f) The project is not located in the vicinity of an airport. g-h) The Morro Bay High School project will not impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan. The San Luis Coastal Unified School District has a state- approved emergency evacuation plan in place in the event of emergency. The construction of new facilities will not impair existing circulation or parking lots on campus in a way that would prevent the District from executing it adopted emergency plans. Plans have been reviewed by the Fire Marshal and Public Works staff, who determined that as designed the project will not conflict with any emergency response plan, evacuation plan, or future plans for improvements in the immediate vicinity of State Highway 1 and Highway 41. The site is not directly adjacent to any wild lands.

Mitigation and Monitoring: Not applicable.

Conclusion: Impacts related to Hazards/Hazardous Materials would be less than significant.

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Potentially Less Than Less Than No Impact 9. HYDROLOGY/WATER QUALITY Significant Significant with Significant Impact Mitigation Impact Would the project: Incorporated a. Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge X requirements? b. Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such that there would be a net deficit in aquifer volume or a lowering of

the local groundwater table level (e.g., the production X

rate of pre-existing nearby wells would drop to a level which would not support existing land uses or planned uses for which permits have been granted)? c. Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern on the site or area, including through the alteration of the X

course of a stream or river, in a manner which would result in substantial erosion or siltation on or off-site? d. Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern on the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or substantially increase the rate or X amount of surface runoff in a manner, which would result in flooding on- or off-site? e. Create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage X systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff? f. Otherwise substantially degrade water quality? X g. Place housing within a 100-year flood hazard area as mapped on a federal flood hazard boundary or flood

insurance rate map or other flood hazard delineation X map? h. Place within a 100-year flood hazard area structures X

which would impede or redirect flood flows? i. Expose people or structures to a significant risk or loss, injury or death involving flooding, including flooding as X a result of the failure of a levee or dam? j. Inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow? X

Environmental Setting: The project site is an existing 55 acre high school campus, located west of the intersection of State Highway 1 and Highway 41. The watershed of Morro Bay is approximately 48,450 acres and is bounded by the Santa Lucia Range on the north, Cerro Romauldo to the east and the San Luis Range to the south. Eventually draining to Morro Bay, the watershed has two significant creek systems: Los Osos and Chorro Creeks. The Chorro Creek watershed drains approximately 27,670 acres, while Los Osos Creek drains 16,933 acres, the remaining area drains directly into the bay through small local tributaries or urban runoff facilities. Sixty percent of the Chorro Creek watershed is classified as rangeland, while twenty percent is brushland.

Morro Bay contains approximately 2,100 acres of water surface at low tide and approximately 6,500 acres at high tide, leaving approximately 980 acres of tidal mud flat and approximately 470 acres of salt marsh. The water quality of Morro Bay is affected by presence of nutrients, toxic substances, hydrocarbons, bacteria, heavy metals, suspended sediment, and turbidity. Studies by various authors also suggest that Morro Bay is subjected to a relatively rapid increase in sedimentation. Morro Bay, Los Osos and Chorro Creek are listed as “impaired waters” under the federal Clean Water Act, Section 303(d) and are the subject of a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), which is a

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calculation of the maximum amount of a pollutant that a water body can receive and still meet water quality standards.

Impact Discussion: a) The project includes a new Pool Facility and Student Services Building / Master Plan projects. All development will be required to comply with the State Water Resources Control Board water quality standards and waste discharge requirements. School sites greater than 1 acre are subject to the requirements of the SWRCB’s Construction General Permit which includes a Stormwater Pollution Prevent Plan. Construction activities associated with the proposed project would cause disturbance of soils during excavation work. The project would include addition of parking spaces and landscaping, which may potentially be sources of Stormwater runoff contaminants as the operation and parking of vehicles has the potential to introduce motor oil, metals, and sediment to runoff. New landscaping and gardens at the project site would generally be expected to improve runoff quality (relative to the existing condition). Therefore, impact would be less than significant. b) The pool (25 yards x 35 meter size) once constructed will have a capacity of approximately 543,882 gallons of water. The City’s predominant source of water to serve commercial uses is obtained from the State Water Project and will not substantially deplete ground water. The pool’s impact on the City’s annual water supply represents 0.105% in 1 year, based on calculating an average water use of 100 gallons of water per person per day. c-f) No alteration of a stream or river course would occur as a result of the new Pool Facility, Student Services Building / Master Plan modernization projects. The MBHS project would be subject to the Construction General Permit (CGP) and the Post-Construction Stormwater requirement regulated by the SWRCB. g-i) The proposed Pool Facility and Student Services Building are not located within a 100 year flood hazard area as delineated on FEMA’s Flood Insurance Rate Map #06079C0813G, Panel 813 of 2050. Future Master Plan projects are also not proposed to be located within a 100 year flood hazard areas. No structures would impede or redirect flood flow nor would there be exposure to significant risk or loss of injury or death as a result of the project. The project proposes resurfacing and minimal ground disturbance to the existing athletic field on the north central side of the campus which is delineated as Zone AE. Zone AE is designated as the floodplain area where currently existing football field and baseball field are located. No structures are proposed in this area and the existing athletic fields will remain. j) Because the project site is located relatively near the coast, a potential hazard from tsunamis exists. However there is no established methodology to predict recurrence intervals of tsunamis and the history of the Central Coast area has recorded few significant damaging incidents, with lesser damage to docks, boat and near shore structures. The last known tsunami warning occurred on March 11, 2011 when an 8.9 earthquake in Japan spawned a tsunami along the California coast. However, the tidal wave action resulted in no damage to far shore structures such as the High School campus which is 1,500 feet from shore. According to the County of San Luis Obispo’s Tsunami Response Plan (rev. Aug.2011), the project is located within an area of tsunami inundation. The County’s Tsunami Response Plan discussed run-up and inundation modeling and mapping which was done by the University of Southern California under contract to Cal EMA, indicates a general potential maximum inundation elevation of 40 feet above mean sea level. The County’s plan however utilizes an inundation of 50 feet above mean sea level for emergency planning purposes. The existing elevation of the Pool Facility, the westernmost area of the campus proposed for development is shown on plans at 98.54 and therefore impacts to hazards are deemed to be less than significant. In addition, the sand dunes west of the project offer some protection from tsunamis. As discussed in the Safety Element of the General Plan, the most feasible protection in the event of a tsunami is a warning system and evacuation plan. The warning is handled by the United States Weather Service and both the City’s Safety Element and the City’s Hazard Mitigation Plan outline safety preparedness measures. Therefore, the hazard presented by tsunamis is less than significant when approved safety measures are adhered.

Conclusion: Impacts related to Hydrology and Water Quality would be less than significant.

Mitigation Monitoring: Not applicable.

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Potentially Less Than Less Than No 10. LAND USE AND PLANNING Significant Significant with Significant Impact Impact Mitigation Impact Would the project: Incorporated a. Physically divide an established community? X b. Conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy, or regulation of an agency with jurisdiction over the project (including, but not limited to, the general plan, X specific plan, local coastal program, or zoning ordinance) adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect? c. Conflict with any applicable habitat conservation plan X or natural community conservation plan?

Environmental Setting: Morro Bay High School is located at 235 Atascadero Road on an existing 52-acre campus west of the intersection of Main Street and Highway 41, and is zoned for school (SCH) uses. The immediate surrounding area is zoned commercial visitor serving with a mixture of these allowed uses. Nearby development includes a mixture of hotel, RV parks as well as industrial uses to the west and gas/ convenience stores, restaurants, retail to the east and the Cloisters residential development to the north.

Impact Discussion: a) Morro Bay High School is a 52-acre existing campus originally constructed in 1958 and is consistent with the General Plan and Local Coastal Plan. It would not physically divide an established community. b) The project cannot be approved unless found consistent with the City’s Local Coastal Program. The school district as a state government agency is typically exempt from the requirement of local land use approval. However, the school is located in the coastal zone, and as such is subject to the requirements of the City’s Coastal Commission-certified Local Coastal Program. Included within the LCP is the City’s Zoning Ordinance which states that per the SCH zoning district, conditional use permit approval is required in addition to the coastal development permit. With the approval of the CDP and CUP, the use can be found consistent with City regulations. Additionally, the proposed design has been reviewed by City staff, who has found the project can be developed consistently with City standards. c) The City of Morro Bay does not have an adopted habitat conservation plan; therefore, the project would not conflict with applicable habitat conservation plan or a natural community conservation plan.

Conclusion: No impacts to Land Use and Planning have been identified.

Mitigation and Monitoring: Not applicable.

Potentially Less Than Less Than No 11. MINERAL RESOURCES Significant Significant with Significant Impact Impact Mitigation Impact Would the project: Incorporated a. Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral X resource that would be of value to the region and the residents of the state? b. Result in the loss of availability of a locally-important X mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local general plan, specific plan or other land use plan?

Environmental Setting: The General Plan and the Division of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources do not delineate any resources in the area. Further, the State Mining and Geology Board has not designated or formally

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recognized the statewide or regional significance of any classified mineral resources in the County of San Luis Obispo.

Impact Discussion: a-b) The Morro Bay High School project is not proposed where significant sand and gravel mining has occurred or will occur and there are no oil wells within the area where the project is located. In addition, the area is not delineated as a mineral resource recovery site in the general plan, any specific plan or other land use plan. This area of the City is fully built up and the General Plan does not provide for mining. Therefore the project will not result in the loss of a known mineral resource of value to the region and impacts would be less than significant.

Conclusion: No impacts to Mineral Resources have been identified.

Mitigation and Monitoring: Not applicable.

Potentially Less Than Less Than No 12. NOISE Significant Significant with Significant Impact Impact Mitigation Impact Would the project: Incorporated a. Expose people to, or generate, noise levels exceeding x established standards in the local general plan, coastal plan, noise ordinance or other applicable standards of other agencies? b. Expose persons to or generation of excessive x groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels? c. Cause a substantial permanent increase in ambient noise x levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project? d. Cause a substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels x existing without the project? e. For a project located within an airport land use plan, or where such a plan has not been adopted, within two x miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? f. For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project expose people residing or working in x the project area to excessive noise levels?

Environmental Setting: Noise sensitive uses are located within the vicinity of the project site; specifically the Cloisters single-family residential neighborhood to the north. Visitor-serving commercial, and a recreational vehicle (RV) park uses are located to the south. The City’s General Plan Noise Element threshold for noise exposure is 70dB for school uses and 75dB maximum for outdoor recreation. This maximum noise level is based on determination of at the property line of the receiving land use. The Pool Facility is proposed toward the south side of the campus, situated approximately 1,200 feet away from the nearest home in the Cloister’s residential neighborhood. The City’s Zoning Ordinance also contains noise limitations and specifies operational hours, review criteria, noise mitigation, and requirements for noise analyses.

Impact Discussion: a, c, d) The proposed new Pool Facility will result in a new noise source for the area. It is anticipated that use of the outdoor pool which will be a new athletic option for students and a recreational opportunity for community users which will create new sources of noise. However, the campus previously had a pool facility for over 30 years but was demolished in the late 1990’s due to severe repair need. The noise level is expected to be consistent with the previous pool use which formerly existed at the campus and not more than the existing school use present. The

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expected use of the pool facility will be 6-8am and 3-5 pm Monday through Friday year round. In the spring, it is anticipated to be used for 3-4 weeks from 6AM to 5pm daily to include use by physical education (PE) classes. In addition, there will be weekend use during swim and water polo seasons by students which is anticipated to be 8am to 5pm. The pool is also anticipated to be available as a recreational opportunity to the community as well through a rent arrangement between the School District and the City’s Recreation Department. Hours of community use have not been established but will be during times of day when students are not in the pool area. While spectator and participant noise would not result in a substantial increase in ambient noise levels, single event operational noise associated with use of the outdoor pool, including installation and use of a PA system, could still potentially result in evening and night time disturbance of noise sensitive receptors in the project vicinity. Noise specifications and hours of operation for a potential PA system have not been determined, but it can be reasonably assumed, that the PA system would be in use during the same times as pool usage, and more commonly for weekend athletic events.

To reduce this impact and for security purposes, a 10 foot high CMU wall is proposed along the south and east of the pool facility. Along the west of the pool will be the associated building including storage building, changing room and pump equipment room. Along the north is proposed a 10 foot fence with proposed tree plantings for screening. It is expected that the surrounding CMU wall and associated buildings will act to absorb some noise decibel levels to bring operational noise levels consistent with the existing campus noise level and to reduce noise dB level to City standards at the property line. However to ensure noise levels do not exceed City standards, mitigation measure NOI-1 has been recommended to mitigate periodic increases to noise levels during pool use as well as ensure compliance with standards in the General Plan, Local Coastal Plan and Zoning Ordinance. For the proposed Student Service Building and future Master Plan projects, no noise generating amplification is proposed or identified at this time. It is expected that noise will be consistent with existing campus ambient noise as there is no project increase in student enrollment or staffing increases. b) Site development will result in short-term increases in ambient noise levels related to the use of construction equipment including trucks, loaders, bulldozers, and backhoes. The potential noise levels are dependent on the location of the equipment on the site as well as the actual number and types of equipment used during construction. Construction activities may also result in temporary ground borne vibration. Construction noise and ground borne vibration is regulated by the City’s Municipal Code, which regulates time of construction and maximum noise levels that may be generated. Standard construction standards imposed on the project include limited hours of activity and reduce other measures to reduce the noise levels of equipment during construction. Therefore, no impacts to surrounding residences will occur. Title 17 Zoning Ordinance table 17.52.030(1) provides performance standards as it relates to noise levels allowed to occur at the site. e, f) The project is not within the boundaries of an adopted airport land use plan or within two miles of a public airport or private airstrip.

Mitigation:

NOI Impact 1 Implementation of the proposed project could result in a substantial increase in ambient noise level in the vicinity of the project site with the expected increase use of the proposed Pool Facility, including the installation and use of a PA audio system.

NOI - 1: The speakers of the proposed PA system shall be located and shielded to directionally focus the emitted sound away from the residential land uses located north of the project site.

NOI – 2: The PA system shall include a processor to control the maximum output that the speakers can reach; so that even if the announcer shouts into the microphone, the levels will be controlled to the maximum allowable level programmed into the processor. The maximum output noise level shall be set to not exceed 75 dBA as measured at any point on the receiving property of an off-site noise sensitive land use in order to demonstrate compliance with standards in the City’s General Plan/Local Coastal Plan.

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Ordinance Section MBMC 17.52.030. The hours from 7am to 10pm daily shall be considered permissible hours of operation.

Monitoring: The School District shall provide to the City the final design requirements of the PA system demonstrating compliance with Mitigation Measures NOI-1, 2, and 3 prior to construction or installation of any PA system. The School District shall also provide to the City Community Development Department /Environmental Coordinator documentation of the final volume of the PA sound system tested on-site prior to operation of the PA system.

Conclusion: With implementation of the above mitigation measures, impacts to Noise levels will be reduced to a level less than significant.

Potentially Less Than Less Than No Impact 13. POPULATION AND HOUSING Significant Significant Significant Impact with Impact Would the project: Mitigation Incorporated a. Displace substantial numbers of people, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere? X b. Displace substantial numbers of existing housing, necessitating the construction of replacement housing X elsewhere? c. Induce substantial growth in an area either directly (for example, by proposing new homes and businesses) or X indirectly (e.g. through extension of roads or other infrastructure)?

Environmental Setting: The site is designated in the General Plan for school uses and is occupied by Morro Bay High School in an area surrounded by residential to the north, State Highway One and Highway 41 to the east, visitor-serving commercial uses and City Public Works yard to the south; and the Pacific Ocean to the west.

Impact Discussion: a-c) The project site does not include housing, nor does it displace housing. In addition, the project would not result in the extension of infrastructure or roadways within the site’s vicinity. The current enrollment is 837 students with no significant change expected in ten years. The proposed project will not increase enrollment capacity. The goal of the project is to update and modernize the high school campus which was originally constructed in 1958 and as a result will not displace people, housing units, nor induce substantial growth.

Conclusion: No impacts to Population and Housing have been identified.

Mitigation and Monitoring: Not applicable.

Potentially Less Than Less Than No Impact 14. PUBLIC SERVICES Significant Significant Significant Impact with Impact Would the project result in a substantial adverse physical impacts associated Mitigation with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, need Incorporated for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance objectives for any of the following public services: a. Fire protection? X b. Police protection? X c. Schools? X

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d. Parks or other recreational facilities? X e. Roads and other transportation infrastructure? X f. Other public facilities? X

Environmental Setting: The project site lies within the City of Morro Bay; therefore the City of Morro Bay provides most of the public services, including Fire and Police protection. In addition to the high school, the San Luis Coastal Unified School District also operates an elementary school within the City.

Impact Discussion: a - f) Because of the scale of the project and its location within a developed portion of the city, no changes to governmental service levels or the need for new facilities or equipment to maintain existing service levels have been identified as this is an existing serviced high school campus. New structures will be constructed to meet current fire code requirements and are not expected to result in adverse physical impact that would change or increase fire protection needs. Police protection services are not impacted or expected to change beyond existing service levels. The construction of a new Pool Facility will include a component for community use during non-school hours that will result in an additional recreation option for both students and non-students. The hours of community use have not been identified but would consist of a type of rental agreement between the School District and the City’s Recreation Department. Based on the typical length of the school day, it is anticipated that community hours would be limited and therefore impacts to public services would be less than significant.

Conclusion: Impacts related to Public Services would be less than significant.

Mitigation and Monitoring: Not applicable.

Potentially Less Than Less Than No Impact 15. RECREATION Significant Significant Significant Impact with Impact Would the project: Mitigation Incorporated a. Increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial X physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated? b. Include recreational facilities or require the construction X or expansion of recreational facilities, which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment?

Environmental Setting: A variety of recreational activities including hiking, sightseeing, birdwatching, etc. are available within Morro Bay. Within the boundary of Morro Bay City limits, there are over 10 miles of ocean and bay front shoreline. Approximately 95% of the shoreline has public lateral access. These walkways provide active recreational activities for visitors and residents. There are also multiple improved parks and playgrounds throughout the City.

Impact Discussion: a) The project is construction of a new Pool Facility with accessory buildings, Student Services Building and overall Master Plan for modernization of the Morro Bay High School campus. No increase in demand on existing parks and other recreational facilities is anticipated due to the school setting. In addition, the campus previously had a pool facility for over 30 years but was demolished in the late 1990’s due to severe repair need. The project is not growth- inducing nor is enrollment expected to increase over the next ten years. The proposed pool facility, student service buildings and master plan modernization projects would not therefore create an increase in use of existing neighborhood or regional recreation facilities. Therefore there is no impact to existing recreational facilities. .

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b) The proposed project includes construction of a new Pool Facility for the Morro Bay High School owned by the School District. However, there is proposed to be a community use component of the Pool Facility in an rental arrangement between the School District and the City’s Recreation Department that has yet to be determined. Space rental of the pool facility would be consistent with other School District facility uses for community use. Community use will not be permitted while students are in the pool area. The proposed fencing circling the pool has been designed to facilitate that. The Pool Facility, as discussed in this document and as mitigated, is not anticipated to have an adverse physical effect on the environment.

Conclusion: Impacts related to Recreation would be less than significant.

Mitigation and Monitoring: Not applicable.

Potentially Less Than Less Than No Impact 16. TRANSPORTATION/CIRCULATION Significant Significant Significant Impact with Impact Would the project: Mitigation Incorporated a. Conflict with an applicable plan, ordinance or policy establishing measures of effectiveness for the performance of the circulation system, taking into

account all modes of transportation including mass

transit and non-motorized travel and relevant X components of the circulation system, including but not limited to intersections, street, highway and freeways, pedestrian and bicycle path, and mass transit? b. Conflict with an applicable congestion management program, including, but not limited to level of service standards and travel demand measures, or other X standards established by the country congestion management agency for designated roads or highways? c. Result in a change in air traffic patterns, including either X an increase in traffic levels or a change in location that

results in substantial safety risks? d. Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature (e.g. limited sight visibility, sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g. farm X equipment)? e. Result in inadequate emergency access? x f. Conflicts with adopted policies, plans, or programs regarding public transit, bicycle, or pedestrian facilities or otherwise decrease the performance or safety of such x facilities?

Environmental Setting: The project site sits west of the intersection of three major roadways in the City of Morro Bay; Highway 1, which bisects the community north-south, Highway 41, which is the major east-west regional connector, and Main Street, which is a 2-lane local roadway which includes a Class II Bikeway. Current enrollment is 837 students with no significant change projected in ten years. The proposed project will not increase enrollment capacity.

Impact Discussion: a-b) A Traffic Impact Study was not prepared for the proposed project because the proposed modernization projects including the Pool Facility, Student Services Building and Master Plan projects are not proposing to increase the existing student enrollment. The campus previously had a pool for over 30 years but was demolished in the late

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1990s due to severe repair needs. The use of the pool for student events, including attendance by spectators or users is expected to be consistent with other existing athletic events at the campus where temporary increases in traffic occur by spectators viewing the event. To accommodate the temporary increase, the project proposes addition of sparking spaces so all campus event parking is parked on-site and therefore impacts would be less than significant. Use of the pool by non-student community users would occur during non-school hours when campus attendance is significantly less and therefore traffic conditions are correspondingly lower.

The project does not conflict with any applicable circulation system plans and does not add significantly to demand on the circulation system or conflict with any congestion management programs or any other agency’s plans for congestion management. Development of the proposed project will not significantly increase the traffic trips to and from the site as explained above, and existing streets have sufficient unused capacity to accommodate any added vehicular traffic without reducing levels of service. The proposed project would not result in a significant impact with regard to increased vehicular trips and does not conflict with performance standards provided in City adopted plans or policies. The largest impact on traffic levels and circulation effectiveness would be affected in large part due to the construction activity and equipment associated with the project, which will temporarily result in minor increases in traffic to and from the site. Once construction is complete, traffic volumes and impacts will return to substantially the same level as the existing site. Therefore, impact would be less than significant. c) The project will not result in any changes to air traffic patterns. d) The project has been designed to comply with State DSA standards as well as City Engineering Standards and will not result in safety risks. No design features are proposed which limit sight visibility, include sharp curves or create a dangerous intersection. e) The project has been reviewed by the City Fire Marshal to ensure adequate emergency access has been provided. f.) The proposed project site is located on Atascadero Road west of the intersection of Highway 41 and Highway 1. The project will not decrease performance or safety in the area of public transit, bicycle or pedestrian facilities, as the traffic patterns will remain unchanged at this time. On campus, the project does propose improvements to circulation to accommodate location of the future Pool Facility and Student Services Buildings where new parking spaces will be added in the pool area. New bus drop off and entry drop off will be added at the entry to campus along with upgraded and re-defined pedestrian pathways providing connections to the new facilities. The proposed improvements do not change the two existing access driveways entering the campus from Atascadero Road. Therefore, impacts would be less than significant.

Conclusion: Impacts related to Transportation / Circulation Systems would be less than significant.

Mitigation and Monitoring – Not Applicable

Potentially Less Than Less Than No Impact Significant Significant Significant 17. UTILITIES & SERVICE SYSTEMS Impact with Impact Mitigation Incorporated Would the project:

a. Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the X applicable Regional Water Quality Control Board? b. Require or result in the construction of new water or wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of existing X facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects?

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c. Require or result in the construction of new storm water drainage facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the X construction of which could cause significant environmental effects? d. Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the X project from existing entitlements and resources, or are

new or expanded entitlements needed? e. Result in a determination by the wastewater treatment provider, which serves or may serve the project that it has adequate capacity to serve the project’s projected X demand in addition to the provider’s existing commitments? f. Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted capacity to accommodate the project’s solid waste X disposal needs? g. Comply with federal, state, and local statutes and X regulations related to solid waste?

Environmental Setting: The proposed project is a new Pool Facility and Student Services Building with Master Plan for overall long-term campus modernization project. Current enrollment of students is 837 with no significant change projected in the next ten years. The water capacity of the pool is 543,882 gallons which will cause a one time increase in water needs, which represents 0.105% impact to the City’s water supply for one year. The proposed project will not increase enrollment capacity and therefore will not result in increased demand related to water, wastewater and solid waste systems. The High School is currently served by the Morro Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant and local waste collection services that dispose of waste at Cold Canyon Landfill, which has been expanded to take increased waste anticipated within its services area. The project will comply with federal, state, and local statutes and regulations related to solid waste disposal, diverting materials from the demolition activities to recycling facilities as feasible.

Impact Discussion: a, b, d, e) The proposed project would result in a minor increase in demand on City infrastructure, including water and wastewater facilities. In consultation with the City Engineer, the average water usage for the City is 100 gallons per person per day. Based on existing City water supplies, the impact to the City’s water supply as a result of the initial filling of the pool would only create a one-time impact of 0.105% of the the City’s annual water usage. The project will not cause a substantial increase in the amount of water that is required to be treated, because it is not expected that the pool will be drained and the treatment facilities can accommodate the current and proposed water and wastewater. New construction or expansion of treatment facilities not necessary as a result of this project. c) Adequate storm water facilities exist on the premises of the 55 acre high school campus site, and it is not anticipated the proposed project will result in the need for new facilities or expansion of existing facilities which could have significant environmental effects. This project has been reviewed by the City’s Public Works Department for utilities and no resource/infrastructure deficiencies have been identified. f-g) The landfills in San Luis Obispo County have the capacity to accommodate the solid waste for the proposed Pool Facility, Student Services Building and long-term Master Plan modernization project activities.

Conclusion: Impacts related to Utilities and Service Systems will have less than significant impact.

Mitigation and Monitoring: Not applicable.

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IV. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE (Section 15065)

A project may have a significant effect on the environment and thereby require a focused or full environmental impact report to be prepared for the project where any of the following conditions occur (CEQA Sec. 15065):

Potentially Less Than Less Than No Significant Significant with Significant Impact Impact Impact Mitigation Incorporated a) Potential to degrade: Does the project have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self-sustaining levels, threaten to X eliminate a plant or animal community, reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory? b) Cumulative: Does the project have impacts that are individually limited but cumulatively considerable?

(Cumulatively considerable means that incremental effects of a

project are considerable when viewed in connection with the X

effects of past projects, the effects of other current projects, and the effects of probable future projects)? c) Substantial adverse: Does the project have environmental X effects, which will cause substantial adverse effects on human

beings, either directly or indirectly?

Impact Discussion: a) The project is the modernization of the Morro Bay High School including construction of a new Pool Facility, Student Services Buildings, removal of major vegetation, improvements to parking and circulation and flatwork along with Master Plan long term modernization projects to renovate existing campus buildings, athletic fields, and improvements to outdoor plaza/quad areas. Without mitigation, the project could have the potential to have adverse impacts on all of the issue areas checked in the Initial Study Checklist, Section II, Environmental Setting and Impacts. As discussed above, potential impacts to aesthetics, air quality, biological resources, cultural resources, and noise will be less than significant with incorporation of recommended mitigation measures. b) The project is consistent with the Local Coastal Program, including the General Plan, Local Coastal Plan and Zoning Ordinance, which identifies this site as school use and supports modernization of the campus and provision of educational/recreation uses. The School District proposal is dependent on funding with the project to include construction of the Pool Facility first followed by the Student Services building. The Master Plan projects are identified in this document but are largely dependent on funding and thus are proposed for an estimated 10 year window. Discussion of Master Plan projects are included as part of an analysis of cumulative impacts. As discussed in the initial study checklist, the proposed project, as mitigated, will not result in cumulatively considerable impacts. New construction proposed under the Master Plan will be required to receive future coastal development permit approval by the City which will ensure compliance with local standards at that time. c) With the incorporation of mitigation measures, the project will not result in substantial adverse impacts on humans.

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V. INFORMATION SOURCES: A. County/City/Federal Departments Consulted:

City of Morro Bay Community Development Department (Planning, Building, and Public Works Divisions), Fire Department. San Luis Obispo Air Pollution Control District Cal Trans, District 5 Office, San Luis Obispo, CA

B. General Plan

x Land Use Element x Conservation Element x Circulation Element x Noise Element x Seismic Safety/Safety Element x Local Coastal Plan and Maps x Zoning Ordinance & Map x Climate Action Plan

C. Other Sources of Information

x Field work/Site Visit x Ag. Preserve Maps x Staff knowledge/ calculations x FEMA Flood Hazard Zone Map, FIRM Panel 813 of 2050, Map #06079C0813G, dated 11/16/2012 x Project Plans dated November 19, 2015 x Archaeological maps and reports, City of Morro Bay resource library x Applicant project statement/description x Soils Maps/Reports and submittal/resubmittal letters, emails x CALeeMod emissions software, 2/25/16 x Firma Consultants, Agent for Applicant, x Published USGS geological maps email correspondence and personal communication September 10, 2015- February, 2016. X County of San Luis Obispo Tsunami x Topographic maps Response Plan, revised August, 2011 http://www.slocounty.ca.gov/Assets/OES /Plans/SLO+County+Tsunami+Response +Plan.pdf x Phase 1 Archaeological Inventory Survey x County of San Luis Obispo Air Pollution Control for the Morro Bay High School District, CEQA Air Quality Handbook, April 2012 Construction and Renovation Project, prepared by Cultural Resources Management Services (CRMS), April, 2015 x Biological Resources Assessment (Sage x U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) Wetlands Institute, June 1, 2015) Inventory Mapper, website review 1/26/16 Preliminary Stormwater Control Plan, x Cal Trans District 5, Adam Fukushima, personal May 22, 2015 communication, 1/25/16. x California Dept. of Conservation, Fault California Emergency Management Agency, Maps, website review 1/26/16 California Geological Survey, Tsunami Inundation Map for Emergency Planning, Morro Bay North Quadrangle, dated July 1, 2009 x Vince Kirkhuff, APCD, telephone, email X Division of the State Architect website review, communication, Jan-Feb., 2016. http://www.dgs.ca.gov/dsa/home.aspx , http://www.calschoolconstruction.dgs.ca.gov/

CITY OF MORRO BAY Page 43

ATTACHMENT A

Morro Bay High School Pool Facility / Student Services Building / Master Plan Modernization Project Mitigation and Monitoring Program

AESTHETICS:

AES Impact 1 Visibility of night lighting and daytime glare would adversely affect views resulting in a direct long-term impact.

a) The point source of all exterior lighting shall be shielded from offsite views.

b) Light trespass from exterior lights shall be minimized by directing light downward and utilizing cut-off fixtures or shields.

c) Lumination from exterior lights shall be the lowest level allowed by public safety standards.

d) Exterior lighting shall be designed to not focus illumination onto exterior walls.

e) Any signage visible from offsite shall not be internally laminated..

AIR QUALITY:

AQ Impact 1 Construction activities associated with development of the proposed project could generate dust that could be a nuisance to adjacent sensitive receptors.

AQ/mm-1 Prior to issuance of grading and construction permits,, the applicant shall include the following notes on applicable grading and construction plans, and shall comply with the following standard mitigation measures for reducing fugitive dust emissions such that they do not exceed the APCD’s 20 percent opacity limit (APCD Rule 401) and do not impact off-site areas prompting nuisance violations (APCD Rule 402) as follows: